ABOUT

ABOUT THE CLEAN COMEDY CHALLENGE

Leslie Norris Townsend has spent her entire life in show business. After a heart-breaking runner-up on the way to Miss America, and then another gut-wrenching runner-up in the Star Search Competition, Leslie has filmed over 20 comedy television shows, episodic television, theatre shows and corporate events. This is the 9th year of the challenge, and it is so successful that she has added multiple cities and an online submission!

It is open to all comics at any level. It gives the participants the chance to perform with the best in real live comedy venues. Each contestant is critiqued and all connect with many other opportunities. It is first come first serve... limited to 23 participants per full Challenge venues. (15 contestants will be chosen for The Cheaper Challenge.)

​Leslie brings her expertise in producing and performing to connect all with information and people to learn, perform and grow in comedy.

At the core of the Challenge is the competition, but Leslie believes the competition and the winning is the least important part! The only reason she has a competition is to insure comics bring their "A-game." The hang time, the sessions, the fun stage time, and the overall experience which builds the lasting relationships is Leslie started the Challenge.

Because of the great success of the past year's Challenges, this year it has expanded to 3 Cities!! Check out more information about this year's challenges, as well as see images of past celebrity judges and winners.

FORMER CELEBRITY JUDGESThe one thing about Leslie is that she's worked with everyone! And everyone loves her! So she is able to assemble some of the best comedy minds in the country to come and hang out as judges at the Clean Comedy Challenge! Here just a few of the former judges from years past.Some of the former celebrity judges and appearances include Jimmy Brogan, Andy Kindler, Erica Rhodes, Anjelah Johnson, Dennis Regan, Eddie Brill, Dwayne Kennedy, Bruce Smith, Jan Maxwell Smith, Bobby Kelton, Jerry Carroll, Jimmy Burns, Dave Schwenson, Bill Gorgo, Dobie Maxwell, Rocky Laporte, Geechy Guy, and more!

FORMER WINNERS​Many of the former winners have gone on to successful careers in the comedy business.

Jonnie W. who won in 2010 has since become one of the biggest names in Christian Comedy and is represented by CAA, one of the most widely respected Agencies for entertainers in the world.

Marty Simpson, who won in 2012 has appeared on ESPN, BET, TBN and more.

Charlene Mae, the first female comic to win, has gone on to tour the country with Hal Sparks, and has landed roles on television shows like Rules of Engagement and One Day at A Time!

Mike Paramore who won in 2015 has gone on to garner huge success at festivals across the country.

Heywood Banks, who won in 2018 used his video from the 2018 Challenges to qualify for the very prestigious San Francisco Comedy Competition and then he made it all the way to the finals of that six week long famous competition!